TIFFIN — An investigation is underway after a fire erupted Tuesday evening at The University Apartments on East Market Street, displacing 12 residents, sending one person to the hospital, and severely damaging several units. Emergency crews responded to the blaze at 6:19 p.m., arriving within three minutes to find flames rapidly spreading from a first-floor apartment to the building’s roof via an exterior stairwell.
According to Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division Chief Rob Chappell, the three-story complex at 186 E. Market St. includes garden-level apartments on its main floor, with four units on each level. At the time of the fire, eight units were occupied.
“Fire crews acted swiftly to extinguish the exterior flames while conducting a search for residents and checking for fire extension within the structure,” Chappell said in a statement. “Despite their efforts, several apartments sustained heavy fire damage.”
Frigid temperatures and strong winds contributed to the fire’s rapid spread, creating hazardous conditions for both residents and firefighters. Crews from Fostoria Fire Division and Bascom Joint Fire District assisted, along with support from Seneca County CERT, Tiffin Police Department, the Red Cross, AEP, and Aqua.
One resident was transported to Mercy Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, Chappell said. Several pets were also rescued from the building.
“The teamwork and dedication of all involved ensured the safety of residents and brought the fire under control in challenging conditions,” Chappell said. The Red Cross is providing temporary shelter and resources for displaced residents, including housing, health services, and crisis counseling.
“We’ve had another fire there in the past that had several units involved. This is not a common fire for us, and we’re very thankful that everybody was able to make it out,” Chappell said.
Todd James, executive director of the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio, emphasized the importance of support for those displaced. “If they do need maybe health services, maybe crisis counseling or spiritual care, we have those folks standing by,” James said. “They’re helping discuss with several of the families how they can help them.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. In the meantime, fire officials are urging the public to prioritize safety as winter weather persists.
“We want to remind everyone to practice caution with space heaters by maintaining a three-foot clearance around them and avoiding the use of extension cords,” Chappell said. “Never leave a heater unattended, and if your home uses natural gas or propane, installing a carbon monoxide detector is critical.”
Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division also offers free smoke detectors for city residents. To request one, contact the department’s non-emergency line at 419-448-5444.
